Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
THIS year’s STUC comes at a time when Scottish RMT members on the railway and in maritime face significant challenges.
The last 12 months have seen a significant contribution made to the national rail dispute.
Members working on train companies that operate cross-border services between England and Scotland took significant strike action which meant they secured a no-strings-attached pay rise for one year.
EDDIE DEMPSEY explains why the RMT is calling for urgent action against assaults on staff and passengers on our public transport system
As Scotland’s inept political class hold endless summits on topics ranging from Reform to seagulls, and management culture replaces political leadership, MATT KERR goes for a hike to take his mind off the unfinished, unaddressed and undone


